In this manner, we can interpret the words of encouragement HKB”H offered to the disheartened Aharon HaKohen: “I swear by your life! Your contribution is greater than theirs, for you will kindle and prepare the Menorah’s lamps.” At the inauguration of the mizbeiach, the nesiim offered korbanos as a preparation for sinners who would need to offer korbanos to atone for their transgressions. Here is how the Ramban explains this process of atonement (Vayikra 1, 9): The sinner must imagine that everything being done to the korban should have been done to him. Because he sinned against G-d with his body and soul, his blood deserved to be spilled, and his body burned. It is only due to the Almighty’s kindness that a substitute was accepted in his stead. In this manner, the korban provides atonement—its blood in place of his blood, its life in place of his life.
The atonement and tikun provided by Aharon HaKohen was far superior! By performing the avodah of the kindling of the seven lamps of the Menorah with proper kavanah, he shone the light of the “tagin” adorning the letters שעטנ"ז ג"ץ on the ba’alei-teshuvah. These letters were damaged as a result of the sins of the reshaim, enabling the three klipos שט"ן ע"ז ג"ץ to prevail over them. Because Aharon drew from the lights of the “tagin” on those seven letters, ba’alei-teshuvah received a new life-source that was beyond the reach of the “chitzonim.” Hence, HKB”H appeased Aharon by telling him: "חייך שלך גדולה משלהם"—the tikun that you are providing for the neshamos of Yisrael—the lamps of Hashem—is superior to the tikun provided by the korbanos offered by the nesiim. "שאתה מדליק ומטיב את הנרות"—you are igniting and providing a new life for them from the heavenly light that is impervious to the influence of the external forces of evil.
